The Savannah tribune. [volume] (Savannah [Ga.]) 1876-1960, 1887-10-15
THE DOCTORS PERIL.

'What can detain himG" For the
hundreth time Alice Stanley asked the
question as she looked anxiously from
the window. The black February day
promised to be succeeded by fitting
night. The sky was overcast and the
wind blew in fitful gusts. Down in the
village, few lights began to glow in
the gray gloom. With little SILVER,
Alice dropped the curtain. 81 hope
John won't be called out tonight. We
haven't him single evening for our
own, have we, baby2'' bending over the
cradle.
Baby opened his eyes and cooed, ex-
tending his dimpled hands, and Alice
bent to lift him just as she heard step
which set her heart beating, as in the
days when John Stanley was Alice Dun
bars lover. He burst into the room
with cheerishness and ease engendered
by the comforting conviction that in his
own castle he could shake off the sub
dued professional manner, which was
sometimes little CALLING
"Well, Alice, why don't you scold me
for keeping you waiting?' kissing mother
and baby and throwing himself into the
easy chair.
"You have kept us very long, John,
but we have consoled ourselves by
thinking we shall have you all the even
ing"
81 hope so, heartily. 'It's going
to be very bad night, and it can't be
any one will be ill-natured enough to
send for the doctor It is hard, birdie,
to have so lonesome an eyrie for you.
When l remember how I coaxed you
from your uncle's to this Western howell,
Alice had been putting supper upon
the table, but at this she dropped the
dishes and flew at him.
"You bad, wicked boy" she said,
shaking him and covering his face with
kisses, 'if ever you utter such treason
again I shall punish you dreadfully Oh,
John, when | think of the old days at
my unces when my heart was chilled |
by GOODNESS and neglect, | am wicked |
enough to thank God because my uncle
betrayed his trust and fled; for but for
that you never would have told me you
loved me. John, dear, when l think of
my happiness as your wife, l almost |
tremble lest something come to mar it.
''Forgive me, Alice, but it was for
your sake | regretted the loss Of the
Injuries you must miss.
Gas if I ever had any luxury that
to precious, sweet boy"
snatching him away and ending the dis
cussion.
Supper over, DR.. Stanley ensconced |
himself in the great crimson armchair
and enthroned his son upon his knee,
while Alice dropped the red curtains
after one shivering glance at the bleak
night, then, bringing her sewing, pre-
pared to hear all the doctor had gathered |
up in his days tour around the three
villages. A great sigh of content welled |
from DIR. Stanley's heart as he contem
plated the cosy room, his wifes fair
face, and the smiling little one on his |
knee. mo crowned king ever enjoyed !
greater happiness than is compassed by
these four walls" he thought.
He was deep in a funny story, when a
sharp knock checked the laugh on
Alice's lips, and her eyes grew anxious
as the little maid entered with the al
ways dreaded yellow envelope. DR..
Stanley tore it open quickly and read:
"Come at once. Bad snashup
OENIsoN."
He placed the boy in the cradle, and
quietly began his preparations. Alice
was silent; she knew it was useless to
attempt to dissuade her husband from
doing what he deemed his duty nor was
she woman to do it, yet there was a
sharp pain at her heart which impeiled
her to say as he tenderly kissed the child;